One of the magical things that happens when you are out cruising is the shift to a natural rhythm. Gone are schedules and appointments and alarm clocks and commitments of the land lubbers life. Days are ruled by the sunrise and sunset, by the change in the tide, the direction of the current, the shifts in wind, the whims of your own sense of adventure and curiosity.
Living aboard is a curious combination of both worlds, still tied in to the tidal cycles and wind shifts, but also needing to make our classes and appointments and weekly schedules on time as we keep one foot firmly on land in "reality".
Until a new baby comes. The last 2 weeks have been a blissful fog. Once again, the real world slips past and now our days are ruled by nursing and diapers and cuddling and quiet alert times and more nursing and even lots of sleep. Daddy is here everyday, neighbors and friends bring us amazing dishes of food, well wishes come streaming in like sunshine via cards and emails and lovely comments here on the blog. The tiny little person, this sweet little soul has managed to undo the whole structure of the grown up world and bring us all into a milky sweet rhythm all her own.
I remember what a rude awakening it was coming back from cruising. After living life at 7 knots I remember thinking I would never be able to drive 75 miles an hour while making a business call and drinking that latte. But I did. And I do. Right now I can not imagine getting out the door with these two little people on my own, or keeping up with the cooking while they both need me, or wearing a full set of clothes all day long. But I will. And I'll probably look back on this time and miss it, in all of it's exhausting sweetness, I will miss it.
It's something I try to remember when I am covered in poo.
20 comments:
Wonderful perspective. I still miss nursing . . . and sitting down!
"living life at 7 knots" yummmmy. i love it. the photos are beautiful- keep them coming! she looks and sounds like a precious little one. :)
i know i keep saying this but she is just so gorgeous cindy! i was saying to my husband this evening how the kids are growing up remembering when they were in diapers and nursing... yes, enjoy this time as you are it is blissful xo
Congratulations on the birth of your sweet daughter!!! Time does fly, so do enjoy this time! :)
And thanks for all the stories about motherhood and living aboard, I love reading your blog!
you write so beautifully Cindy - I love the comparison between the rhythm of cruising and the rhythm of Naia. She is such a very pretty baby. And looks so perfectly at home on her lambswool up there on the deck. Enjoy this time - it is indeed so beautiful and you are so very blessed to have a second go :-)
Wow, Im the exact opposite!
I am used to driving the 75mph (70 in my country) drinking a tea whilst listening to the latest talk show on the car radio and I am wondering how I will adjust to the 7 knots cruising lifestyle!
Aww...she's such a cutie! I know what you mean about that early baby phase. I do miss having a sweet little newborn around sometimes, although mostly I'm really enjoying the spot we're in now, with all 4 able to mostly take care of themselves but before we hit the teenage stage. ;)
Oh, my. Your post brings back memories. Our sixth child, a daughter, was born when we lived aboard our commercial fishing boat in Alaska, and when we lived aboard a ketch in CA, we had that daughter, who was then 4 and another one who was 1 with us (the other kids were grown up). They did not know how to exit the boat without life jackets on. When the 4 year old would fall in the water she would yell "I fell in the water!" and dad would go pull her out. The neighbors referred to the two little girls as Ifell and Willfall lol!
Well, the daughter who was born when we lived aboard our fishing boat is now 22 years old and she got married earlier this month.
The younger one is in college in Florida.
We are in WA, installing a hydronic heating system in our newly acquired Roberts 56, steel ketch. We are moving back aboard very soon, and going back to Alaska!
Thanks for the memories. Glad you are savoring your time with your little ones now. It goes by FAST!
Blessings!
Sue
www.sailingsunline.com
Your blog has consistently drawn me into your world. It is so amazing how you live your life. I find myself both envious and in simple awe. Your son and daughter are both beautiful as is your outlook on life.
I love it! Congratulations to your family... now of 4.
AAAwwww look at her little feet!! She is beautiful! Already enjoying the sun!!
Lovely. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings. Tia E
Thank you so much Lilia! Family of 4 - whoa I never thought of it that way!?!
Sue Ellen - thank you so much for sharing your memories. What a special time that was, and what an adventure to live aboard in Alaska. I dream of visiting there one day by land or sea. Congratulations on your daughter's marriage. And best to you getting your ketch ready. It sounds like the perfect Alaska cruiser! Maybe we'll see you "out there"...
nycsavage -- you'll adjust... mother nature will make sure you adjust ;)
Sounds like you are all enjoying each other so much. She looks so happy and at home.
I would like to have a new one :)
she's a sweetie, congrats. just found your blog recently and am loving it! from another mama of 2 (nearly 1 and 2.5) enjoy these moments! the second one seems to do EVERYTHING at lightning speed.
oh cindy. what a sweet read this was. thank you.
xo
~erin
oh, for a long time I have wanted to live on a boat. but, on a houseboat, docked, where I could still have one foot on land. sounds blissful.
SO sweet- I love the pics too. I tell everyone there is nothing like adding a second child to rock your world on its head. A huge adjustment- and all for those sweet baby toes. She's just grand.
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